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Meet the Module: Audio Weighting

Written by Admin | Apr 28, 2022 8:40:00 PM

Audio Weaver® from DSP Concepts is a low-code, hardware-independent audio platform that streamlines the development of audio features for a wide range of products.

By utilizing a PC-based host application for product design, paired with an audio processing engine embedded in the target hardware, Audio Weaver reduces the risk and complexity of each stage of the development workflow, from prototype to production. With Audio Weaver, developers can tune and debug before deploying the layouts they have created.

Audio Weaver contains over 550 signal processing blocks, referred to as modules. Module capabilities range from simple filtering to data type conversion, advanced audio mixing and distribution, all the way to machine learning and specialized, third-party IP. Audio Weaver’s drag-and-drop environment allows developers to build and customize sophisticated audio signal chains. Modules can be added, deleted, and rearranged in just a few clicks, much like circuit design.

To demonstrate, let’s walk through one of the many modules that are available: Audio Weighting.

The Audio Weighting module implements a series of second-order recursive (Biquad) filters to apply standard audio weighting curves to a signal comprising any number of channels, using one of eight user-selectable weighting types. This module allows downstream analysis using a Meter module or other display-enabled sink to reflect the chosen measurement standard. For artifact-free operation, Audio Weighting mutes the output when the weighting type is changed, then unmutes after updating the coefficients.

DSP Concepts recommends using A-weighting for verifying microphone specifications, and C-weighting when measuring levels in voice UI designs. Audio Weighting can also be used for loudness measurements pursuant to ITU-R BS.1770 and calibration and measurements relating to the TASA (Trailer Audio Standards Association) standard for motion picture trailer volume, using the LeqM weighting type.

With the weighting type set to ITU468, an Audio Weighting module placed in the sidechain of an AGC Core module creates an automatic gain control design that maintains a more consistent loudness, as perceived by the human auditory system.

Audio Weighting is just one of the hundreds of modules available in Audio Weaver. In addition to standard modules such as AGC Core, Audio Weaver also features more complex and powerful modules that accelerate the audio development of high-performance audio features such as immersive 3D audio rendering, multi-channel acoustic echo cancellation, and more.

For more information about the Audio Weaver platform and its collection of modules, please contact DSP Concepts®.